Modular surge protection system with interchangeable surge protection modules

Abstract

A modular surge protection system is provided having interchangeable power supply and surge protection modules connectable to a power distribution module. The power distribution module provides surge protection for the power supply modules while independent surge protection is provided in the surge protection modules.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A power distribution module for receiving and distributing power and for providing a mechanical and electrical connection to at least one other module in a modular surge protection system, said power distribution module comprising: 
       (a) a housing:  
       (b) a surge protector mounted within said housing; and  
       (c) a quick connect connector for connecting said power distribution module to said other module, said quick connect connector including a first complementary mating surface formed on said housing for cooperating with a second complementary mating surface of said other module and a retainer formed on said housing for releasably securing said power distribution module to said other module, said quick connect connector further including an electrical connector having only a ground conductor for providing an electrical ground connection to said other module.  
     
     
       2. The power distribution module defined in  claim 1 , wherein said retainer is a protuberance. 
     
     
       3. The power distribution module defined in  claim 1 , wherein said retainer is an opening for receiving a protuberance. 
     
     
       4. The power distribution module defined in  claim 1 , wherein said first complementary mating surface is a female portion. 
     
     
       5. The power distribution module defined in  claim 4 , wherein said first complementary mating surface includes a shroud. 
     
     
       6. The power distribution module defined in  claim 1 , wherein said first complementary mating surface is a male portion. 
     
     
       7. The power distribution module defined in  claim 6 , wherin said male portion is a reduced portion. 
     
     
       8. The power distribution module defined in  claim 6 , wherein said retainer is a protuberance. 
     
     
       9. The power distribution module defined in  claim 6 , wherein said first complementary mating surface is a reduced portion. 
     
     
       10. The power distribution module defined in  claim 6 , wherein said retainer is an opening for receiving a protuberance. 
     
     
       11. The power distribution module defined in  claim 6 , wherein said first complementary mating surface is a female portion. 
     
     
       12. The power distribution module defined in  claim 11 , wherein said first complementary mating surface includes a shroud. 
     
     
       13. A power distribution module for receiving and distributing power and for providing a mechanical and electrical connection to at least one other surge protection module in a modular surge protection system, said power distribution module comprising: 
       (a) a housing;  
       (b) a surge protector mounted within said housing;  
       (c) a first electrical connector comprising live and neutral receptors electrically connected to said surge protector;  
       (d) a portion of a quick connect connector for connecting said power distribution module to said other surge protection module said portion having a first complementary mating surface formed on said housing for cooperating with a second complementary mating surface of said other surge protection module and a retainer formed on said housing for releasably securing said power distribution module to said other surge protection module; and  
       (e) a second electrical connector comprising a ground receptor adjacent said quick connect connector for providing an electrical ground connection to said other surge protection module.  
     
     
       14. The power distribution module as defined in  claim 13 , wherein said second electrical connector will be electrically connected to a co-ax connector when said at least one other surge protection module is connected to said power distribution module. 
     
     
       15. The power distribution module as defined in  claim 13 , wherein said second electrical connector will be electrically connected to an RJ11 connector when said at least one other surge protection module is connected to said power distribution module. 
     
     
       16. The power distribution module as defined in  claim 13 , wherein said second electrical connector will be electrically connected to an RJ45 connector when said at least one other surge protection module is connected to said power distribution module. 
     
     
       17. A power distribution module for receiving and distributing power and for providing a mechanical and electrical connection to at least one other power supply module in a modular surge protection system, said power distribution module comprising: 
       (a) a housing;  
       (b) a surge protector mounted within said housing;  
       (c) a first electrical connector comprising live and neutral receptors electrically connected to said surge protector;  
       (d) a portion of a quick connect connector for connecting said power distribution module to said other power supply module, said quick connect connector having a first complementary mating surface formed on said housing for cooperating with a second complementary mating surface of said other power supply module and a retainer formed on said housing for releasably securing said power distribution module to said other power supply module; and  
       (e) a second electrical connector comprising a ground receptor adjacent said quick connect connector for providing an electrical ground connection to said other power supply module.